My mom always said when you were done sewing to wash your hands and put on hand lotion. She always said "the cotton pulls the lanolin out of your skin" and that is why your hands get dry. So, knowing the real story, when my hands get dry I just say I've been quilting and the cotton pulled the lanolin out of my skin. I know it is probably an old wive's tale, but it works for me!!!!!!!! Edie